Scalp Micropigmentation UK | SMP Treatment

Straight answers

The questions everyone asks before they book.

We'd rather answer them now than have you wonder.

The most common concern, and the one with the most reassuring answer. In skilled hands, SMP is genuinely undetectable. The key is the size of the dots (micro, not macro), their distribution (randomised, not uniform), and the pigment depth (in the upper dermis, not deep like a tattoo). Our team uses a technique that replicates the natural randomness of real follicles, no two dots are identical in placement or depth.

This is the most important distinction. Traditional tattoo ink is designed to stay permanently, it spreads over time and can shift to blue or green tones. SMP uses completely different pigments: formulated to remain stable, fade gracefully, and never shift colour. The needles are finer, the depth shallower, the technique completely different. Bad SMP from inexperienced practitioners can go wrong, which is exactly why choosing the right clinic matters.

SMP works across all skin tones. The pigment is mixed to match your specific skin undertone and existing hair colour, or, for those with no remaining hair, the natural shadow tone that would appear if hair were present. Your technician selects and blends pigment specifically for you at consultation. One size fits no one, every treatment is custom.

SMP is long-lasting but not permanent the way a tattoo is. The pigment naturally fades over 3 to 5 years, which is actually a feature: your look can be updated, refined, or adjusted as your hair continues to change. A top-up every 3 to 5 years maintains it. If you stop maintaining it, the pigment fades to nothing over several years. Laser removal is also possible if needed. You are not locked in forever.

Only for the shaved look. For density enhancement (adding the appearance of thickness between existing hairs) you keep your hair at its current length, the same applies to hairline refinement. The shaved-head look requires the scalp clipped short (typically a grade 0 or 1) so the dots match the surrounding hair length. If keeping your hair matters to you, the density or hairline looks may suit you better.

The process

What happens from booking to result.

SMP takes 2 to 3 sessions. Here's exactly what each involves.

Consultation · before Session 1

Design your look together

Design your hairline or density target with your technician. Pigment is mixed to match your skin tone and hair colour. Every question answered, no commitment at this stage.

Session 1 · 2 to 4 hours

The foundation

A lighter layer of pigment is applied across the treatment area, establishing the base density and testing how your skin takes the pigment. You leave looking 40 to 60% of the final result.

Result so far0%

Session 2 · 7 to 14 days later

The depth

The pigment from Session 1 has settled and lightened slightly. Session 2 adds depth, density and definition, building on the healed base. You leave looking 80 to 90% of the final result.

Result so far0%

Session 3 · 7 to 14 days later

The refinement

Fine detail work, hairline precision, and any areas needing extra density. Most patients are satisfied after 2 sessions. Session 3 is for perfection.

Final result0%

The result · immediate & evolving

You leave looking better every time

The final result is assessed at 6 weeks post Session 2. Touch-ups every 3 to 5 years maintain it.

Why ours is different

The difference is in the pigment.

Not all SMP is the same. Here's what sets ours apart.

Colour-matched to you

Every patient's pigment is mixed for their skin undertone, hair colour (or previous hair colour) and desired density. Not an off-the-shelf colour, a custom blend prepared at your consultation.

Formulated to fade naturally

Medical-grade pigments designed to fade gradually and evenly over years, never turning blue, green, or developing the colour shift tattoo ink is prone to. The chemistry is fundamentally different from body-art inks.

Applied at the right depth

SMP is deposited in the upper dermis, shallower than a tattoo. That precise depth keeps dots crisp and follicle-like rather than spreading over time. Every technician is trained to maintain consistent depth.

Honest assessment

Is SMP right for you?

An honest answer, because not everyone is a candidate.

SMP works well for

✓Male pattern baldness at any stage

✓Female diffuse thinning

✓Alopecia areata (patchy loss)

✓Scarring, surgery, accidents, burns

✓Post-transplant density enhancement

✓Hairline refinement

✓All skin tones and ethnicities

SMP may not suit

·Active scalp conditions, psoriasis or eczema flare-ups (treat first)

·A history of keloid scarring (needs assessment)

·Pregnancy or breastfeeding

·Very light or blonde hair with fair skin (careful technique)

·Anyone expecting regrowth. SMP adds the appearance, not the hair

If you're unsure whether SMP is right for your situation, book a free consultation. We'd rather tell you it's not right for you than proceed with something that won't serve you well.

Real results

Real results. Real patients.

SMP coordinated by Fix My Hair for patients across the UK.

BeforeAfter

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Shaved Look · 3 sessions · SMP

BeforeAfter

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Density Look · 2 sessions · SMP

BeforeAfter

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Hairline Look · 2 sessions · SMP

Drag any image to compare. Illustrative SMP results, pigment is applied to the scalp; SMP does not grow hair. Individual results vary.

Transparent pricing

Transparent pricing. No surprises.

The Shaved Look

From £400

Full scalp coverage

Consultation2 to 3 sessionsAftercare guidanceFree touch-up assessment at 6 weeks

The Density Look

From £500

For thinning hair

Consultation2 to 3 sessionsAftercare guidanceFree touch-up assessment at 6 weeks

The Hairline Look

From £300

Hairline refinement only

Consultation1 to 2 sessionsAftercare guidanceFree touch-up assessment at 6 weeks

Touch-up sessions (3 to 5 years): from £150 · payment options confirmed before booking

Exact pricing confirmed at consultation, based on area covered and sessions required.

What is included

SMP or hair transplant: how to decide.

Both work. They're right for different people.

SMP

Transplant

Surgery required

Yes

Downtime

2 to 3 days

7 to 14 days

Sessions

2 to 3

1 to 2

Results visible

Same day

12 months

Permanence

3 to 5 yrs (top-up)

Permanent

Hair grows

Yes

Cost

From £300

£3,500 or £4,500 fixed

Best for

Instant look, no surgery

Permanent growing hair

Some patients choose both. SMP for immediate results while waiting for transplant growth, or SMP to enhance transplant density.

Good to know

Your questions, answered.

Typically 3 to 5 years before a top-up. The pigment fades gradually and evenly; a short top-up session restores it. If you stop maintaining it, it fades to nothing over several years.

Most describe it as mild, a light scratching sensation, far less than a tattoo because the needle is finer and shallower. Numbing options are available if you're sensitive.

Usually 2 to 3, spaced 7 to 14 days apart. The shaved and density looks typically need 2 to 3; a hairline refinement may need only 1 to 2.

Yes, there's no real downtime. The scalp may look slightly red or dotted for 24 to 48 hours, which settles quickly. Most people return to work the next day.

Minor redness for a day or two, then the pigment lightens slightly as it settles over the following week, before the next session builds on it. No scabbing like surgery.

Yes, medical-grade SMP pigment is formulated to fade uniformly, never patchily or into off-tones. That even fade is exactly why a top-up every few years looks seamless.

Yes. It fades naturally if left, and laser removal is available if you ever want it gone sooner. You're not locked in.

Yes, pigment is custom-blended to your skin undertone and hair colour at consultation, so it suits every skin tone and ethnicity.

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The look of a full head of hair.

Which result are you looking for?

The questions everyone asks before they book.

What happens from booking to result.

The difference is in the pigment.

Is SMP right for you?

Real results. Real patients.

Transparent pricing. No surprises.

SMP or hair transplant: how to decide.

Your questions, answered.

Ready to see what SMP looks like for you?

Worth reading before you decide.

Request your free consultation

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Add your photos for review

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How your treatment is provided